Power cuts. They can catch us off guard, can’t they? When Storm Daragh hit in December 2024, we were left without power for two days. But here’s the thing: because we were prepared, it felt more like an adventure than torture—well, apart from not being able to shower! This playbook is designed to help you turn potential chaos into calm, keeping your family, home, and business running smoothly when the lights go out.
1. Home: Staying Organised and Minimising Disruption
Let’s start with the basics. Your home is your sanctuary, and a power cut shouldn’t change that too much. Here’s how to stay on top of things: While a power cut will certainly disrupt your day, being a little prepared can make it far more manageable and comfortable than being caught off guard.
Stock Up on Essentials: Keep a stash of torches, candles, matches, and batteries in an easy-to-find spot. Have a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water for longer outages.
Invest in a Generator: This was a game-changer for us. After a 12-hour power cut two weeks before Storm Daragh, we got one to keep our fish alive, and it was a lifesaver during the storm. It’s perfect for running essentials like the fridge, Wi-Fi, laptops, and even the TV for the kids. Don’t forget to get some extension leads so you can plug in more items like an air fryer (a brilliant low-power option for cooking).
Keep Fuel for Your Generator: Generators need fuel, so make sure you’ve got a supply safely stored and ready to go. Regularly check that it’s still usable.
Stock Up on Firewood: If you’ve got a fireplace or wood burner, make sure you’re well-stocked. It’s a cosy way to keep warm and adds a bit of charm to an otherwise stressful time.
Report the Power Cut ASAP: Don’t assume someone else has called it in. Contact your electricity provider to ensure engineers are aware and can get to work restoring power.
Keep an Eye on the Weather: Power cuts are more likely in winter or during storms. When we got a government alert about Storm Daragh, we knew the odds of a power cut were high. If you see bad weather on the horizon, get your prep done early.
Do a Practice Run: Don’t wait for the power to go out to figure out how everything works. Test your generator, extension leads, and backup systems ahead of time so you know what to do.
Get a Small Gas Stove: If you don’t have a gas cooker or generator (so you can power a microwave or air fryer), a portable gas stove is a brilliant backup. It’s ideal for boiling water or heating up soup.
Know Your Home’s Quirks: Familiarise yourself with manual overrides for things like the garage door or other essential systems. Even if you can’t use them during a power cut, having tools and instructions handy will help when power is restored.
Stay Informed: A fully charged phone (with a power bank) is essential to stay updated on the outage and any restoration timelines.
2. Family: Keeping Everyone Comfortable and Connected
Let’s be honest, when the power goes out, it’s often the kids who feel the disruption most. But with a bit of planning, you can keep the whole family calm and entertained.
Charge Everything in Advance: If you think there’s a chance of a power cut, charge all your phones, tablets, torches, and power banks. You’ll thank yourself later when you’ve still got a way to keep everyone entertained.
Stay Connected with Neighbours: A quick WhatsApp message to the neighbours can make all the difference. Share updates, check in on each other, and offer support where needed. During our last power cut, one lovely neighbour even offered us hot chocolate and brandy – a definite morale booster!
Stay Warm and Fed: Keep warm blankets handy and have easy-to-prepare snacks ready for the kids. If you’ve got a generator, linking the TV to it can work wonders for keeping little ones entertained.
Make It an Adventure: Power cuts can feel exciting if you frame them right. Dust off the board games, tell stories by candlelight or even go stargazing if it’s safe to head outside.
Stick Together: Staying in one or two rooms helps conserve heat and makes the experience feel more like a team effort.
3. Business: Keeping Things Running Smoothly
If you work from home or run your own business, a power cut can feel like a disaster waiting to happen. But with a bit of planning, you can keep things ticking along.
Check Out Backup Workspaces: Research coworking spaces or cafes with reliable Wi-Fi ahead of time. Having a go-to spot can be a lifesaver when you need to get back online quickly.
Have a Backup Plan: A generator can power your office essentials like Wi-Fi and laptops, keeping you connected and productive even during a blackout.
Delegate to a VA: If you’re caught out and can’t work, having a trusted Virtual Assistant (VA) to step in and manage your workload can be invaluable. From responding to emails to keeping clients updated, a VA ensures your business keeps running. Learn more about how I can help at Super Mum Assistants.
Communicate with Clients: Let your clients know about the power cut and any potential delays. Most people will understand, especially when you’re upfront and proactive.
Set Up Remote Access: Use cloud-based tools so you can access your work from another location if needed.
Power Banks: As mentioned in Section 2, power banks can be a lifesaver, especially if you weren’t expecting a power cut and haven’t charged your phone for a while.
Why Preparation Matters
Power cuts are a part of life, especially during winter, but they don’t have to throw you into chaos. With a bit of preparation and a can-do attitude, you can keep your family, home, and business running smoothly.
That said, no matter how prepared you are, you might find yourself simply not in the mood to tackle work—whether it’s personal, professional, or both. And that’s okay. Power cuts can be an opportunity to pause, rest, and relax. So, if the chance arises, make yourself a hot drink, wrap up in a cosy blanket, and take a breather. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Next time there’s a power cut, you’ll be ready to handle it like a pro – whether that’s keeping the fish alive, settling in for a board game marathon, or firing off emails from a cosy cafe. Now, go make yourself a cup of tea (while you’ve still got power!) and start ticking off your power cut prep list. You’ve got this!
About Me
Hi, I’m Rachael, founder of Super Mum Assistants. I’m a Virtual Assistant who helps busy solo business owners keep their plates spinning without breaking a sweat. From lead magnets and manuals to websites and SEO, I specialise in taking the tasks you don’t have the time or energy for and turning them into seamless solutions that keep your business running smoothly. Think of me as your secret weapon in business continuity!
I also offer a rapid response service for those unexpected moments when things don’t go to plan. Whether it’s a power cut, a sudden surge in workload, or an unforeseen challenge, I’m here to step in and keep everything on track so you can breathe easy.
I live in Tavistock, Devon, with my partner Rick, our two boys, and a lively dog who keeps us on our toes! I know what it’s like to juggle a million things at once (hello, family life!), which is why I’m all about supporting you with solutions that make life easier and less stressful. Whether it’s helping you prep for a power cut or managing your business operations, I’ve got your back—calm, organised, and ready for whatever comes our way.
